Disposable shot glass with peel-off lid

ABSTRACT

System and process for creation of a single-serve shot-glass with a flared shaft, curved brim and peel-off lid. A lip attachment can be applied to the sealed shot-glass to define the flare shaft. The shot glass has a flat top edge to facilitate sealing of the lid. Embodiments can use a vibration plate, gears and/or conveyer belts to create the sealed shot-glasses with flared shafts. The lip or ring can create the flared shaft when integrated with the glass.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a disposable shot-glass.

INTRODUCTION

Single-serve cups may contain food and beverages. Existing single-servecups may not be ideal vessels from which to drink due to an abrasivebrim. Single-serve cups may not be optimized to contain alcoholicbeverages for long periods of time and may be subject to deteriorationover time. Single-serve cups may not be optimized to contain alcoholicbeverages since the method of adhesion used in affixing a lid to the cupmay be subject to erosion from the alcohol. Single-serve cups may not beoptimized to contain alcoholic beverages in a form-factor as small as ashot-glass since the level of adhesion between a lid and the cup mayresult in spillage from the cup during removal of the lid. Some lids maydrastically raise the price of the single-serve, shot-glass, making itcommercially inefficient to produce.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a single-serve,shot-glass system made up of a shot-glass for containing alcoholicbeverage, the shot-glass having a curved brim to enhance users' drinkingexperience and prevent spilling of the alcoholic beverage. Theshot-glass may also have a flared shaft to enhance users' drinkingexperience, and a peel-off lid to seal the system and preserve thealcohol.

In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a shot-glass with acurved brim as part of the single-serve shot-glass system, the brimcomprising a curvature optimized to allow ease of drinking and spillprevention, and to allow secure adhesion of a peel-off lid in a mannerthat still allows the peel-off lid to be removed with ease. The curvedbrim may integrate with a flared shaft to enhance users' drinkingexperience.

In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a process formanufacturing the single-serve shot-glass system comprising: formingmolds for the lid material, shot-glasses including the lip, creatingshot-glasses from the molds, and slicing lids from the lid materials,dispensing alcohol into the shot-glasses, sealing the shot-glasses witha peel-off lid and a sealant, and adding the lip mold to the shot glass.

Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to beunderstood that the embodiments are not limited in application to thedetails of construction and to the arrangements of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also,it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employedherein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting.

Many further features and combinations thereof concerning embodimentsdescribed herein will appear to those skilled in the art following areading of the instant disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the figures, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is tobe expressly understood that the description and figures are only forthe purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding.

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the attached figures, wherein in the figures:

FIG. 1 is a view of an example single-serve, shot-glass system;

FIG. 2A is a cross-section of an example curved brim for a single-serve,shot-glass system;

FIG. 2B is a view of an example shot-glass and curved brim;

FIG. 2C is a view of an example shot-glass with flared shaft restingupon a user's lip;

FIG. 2D is a cross-section of an example curved brim and flared shaftfor a single-serve, shot-glass system;

FIG. 2E is a view of an example single-serve, shot-glass system;

FIG. 3 is a view of an example peel-off lid;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the container;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the container with the lid;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the container;

FIG. 7 shows a top down view of the inside of the container;

FIG. 8 shows a bottom up view of the outside of the container;

FIG. 9 shows a bottom cross-cut of the container of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of a process for manufacturing asingle-serve, shot-glass system;

FIG. 11 shows a flow chart of a process for manufacturing asingle-serve, shot-glass system;

FIG. 12 shows a view of a solid plastic from for producing peel-off lidsfor a single-serve, shot-glass system;

FIG. 13 depicts an example machine layout according to embodimentsdescribed herein;

FIG. 14 shows an example illustration of a cup with the ring or sleevehaving an example anti-slip mechanism;

FIG. 15 is an example illustration of a sealed cup and sleeve;

FIG. 16 is an example illustration of a sealed cup with the attachedsleeve;

FIG. 17 is an example illustration of a sealed cup and sleeve resting onthe base of the cup but not yet attached;

FIG. 18 is an example illustration of a sealed cup with the attachedsleeve;

FIG. 19 is an example illustration of a ring press. A conveyor beltbrings cups with loose sleeves on them to the ring press. The ring presspushes rings onto cups with downward force;

FIG. 20 is an example illustration of gears. There can be a ring gearslightly above cup gear system so that rings are gravity fed onto cups;

FIG. 21 is an example illustration of a vibration plate. Air andvibrations ensure rings are sitting upwards when fed into conveyor belt;and

FIG. 22 is an example illustration of a ring conveyor belt. The ringconveyor belt brings rings from vibration plate to ring gear to bedropped onto cups.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus are described throughreference to the drawings.

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of theinventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a singlecombination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter isconsidered to include all possible combinations of the disclosedelements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and asecond embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subjectmatter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A,B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

Embodiments described herein relate to a disposable shot-glass having apeel-off lid wherein the shot glass has a flared shaft and curved brimfor facilitating drinking and preventing spilling from the shot-glass. Asingle-serve, shot-glass of alcohol with a flared shaft, curved brim andpeel-off lid may provide consumers with simplicity, sanitation,insurance of being tamper-proof, and ease-of-use. Embodiments describedherein may help give consumers of alcohol an opportunity to purchasesmaller quantities of alcohol that are offered in a useful, sanitary andenjoyable-to-drink container. Embodiments described herein may help toserve alcohol beverages to consumers efficiently without requiringmixing of the beverage, cleaning of individual shot glasses and pouringthe mixed beverage into individual shot glasses in response individualorder requests from the consumers. The shot-glass containing alcohol maybe easy and enjoyable to drink and cost-effective to produce.

Embodiments described herein relate to a disposable shot-glass having apeel-off lid wherein the shot glass has a lip attached with a flaredshaft and curved brim for facilitating drinking and preventing spillingfrom the shot-glass. A single-serve, shot-glass of alcohol having a lipattached with a flared shaft, curved brim and peel-off lid may provideconsumers with simplicity, sanitation, insurance of being tamper-proof,and ease-of-use. Embodiments described herein may help give consumers ofalcohol an opportunity to purchase smaller quantities of alcohol thatare offered in a useful, sanitary and enjoyable-to-drink container.Embodiments described herein may help to serve alcohol beverages toconsumers efficiently without requiring mixing of the beverage, cleaningof individual shot glasses and pouring the mixed beverage intoindividual shot glasses in response individual order requests from theconsumers. The shot-glass containing alcohol may be easy and enjoyableto drink and cost-effective to produce.

FIG. 1 illustrates a single-serve shot-glass system 90 of a shot-glass100 containing a specified volume of alcoholic beverage 200, sealed by apeel-off lid 120 with a tab 122 according to some embodiments. Theshot-glass 100 may be shaped with a flared shaft 150 that curves outwardfrom bottom to top such that the opening at the brim 140 may have agreater circumference than the circumference of the base 160 of theshot-glass 100. The flared shaft 150 may be shaped to receive a user's300 lip therein. The curvature may be smooth to provide comfort to theuser 300. In some embodiments, the shot-glass 100 has a lip attachedwith a flared shaft 150 that curves outward from bottom to top such thatthe opening at the brim 140.

According to some embodiments, the shot-glass 100 may containapproximately 100 mL and in other examples the shot-glass 100 maycontain approximately 60 mL as a typical 1.5 ounce shot (approximately45 mL). In addition to the curved brim 140, there may be a sufficientamount of empty space between the liquid alcohol 200 and the brim 140 tohelp prevent spilling when the shot-glass 100 is opened. The shot-glass100 may be formed from HDPE (high density polyethylene) or PET(polyethylene terephthalate) plastic in some example embodiments inorder to ensure that the alcohol 200 is preserved and does not breakdown the material of the shot-glass 100. The material may also enablethe printing of colors and advertisements on the shot-glass 100.

In some embodiments a coating (e.g. epoxy) may be applied to the insideof the shot-glass 100 in order to strengthen the shot-glass 100 andextend the life of the alcohol 200. Such a coating may also improve thetemperature range of the shot-glass 100 by allowing it to remain sturdyand intact at temperatures warmer than −50 degrees Celsius.

FIGS. 2A and 2D are cross-sections of the brim 140 of the shot-glass 100according to some embodiments. The curved brim 140 may help to preventalcoholic beverages 200 from spilling from the shot-glass when the lid120 has been removed. The curved brim 140 may have or integrate with aflared shaft 150 as shown. FIG. 2B demonstrates the manner in which thebrim 140 may prevent the spilling of alcohol 200 when the shot-glass 100is tilted up to a specified angle.

In some embodiments, the brim 140 may feature a flat top edge of between1-8 mm, which may be desirable in order to provide a platform upon whichan adhesive may seal the lid 120 to the shot-glass brim 140. In someembodiments the size of the brim 140 may be adjusted according to thepercentage of alcohol 200 in the single-serve shot-glass system 90. Theflat edge may extend away from the outer edge of the curved brim 140 sothat a rounded outer edge provides comfort to the user 300.

The curved brim 140 also may provide users 300 with an ideal drinkingexperience as the brim 140 may not create discomfort when users 300consume alcoholic beverages 200 from the shot-glass 100.

FIGS. 2C and 2E illustrate a flared shaft 150 of the shot-glass 100according to some embodiments. The flared shaft 150 may provide a placefor users' 300 lips to rest while drinking from the shot-glass 100. Theflared shaft 150 may enhance users' 300 drinking experience by allowingthe alcoholic beverage 200 to flow smoothly as users 300 drink. Theflared shaft 150 may also enhance users' 300 drinking experience byhelping the shot-glass 100 to rest at an optimal location on users' 300lips (without sliding up or down) such that the alcoholic beverage 200may flow optimally into users' 300 mouths. In some embodiments theflared shaft 150 may flare outward at an approximately 180-250 degreeangle from the bottom shaft 151 of the shot-glass 100. In anotheraspect, the flared shaft 150 may progressively flare out from the bottomshaft at an increasing angle until arriving at the curved brim 140.

FIG. 3 illustrates a peel-off lid 120 for use with a single-serve shotglass 100 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments thepeel-off lid 120 may be made of metal foil or plastic. In someembodiments, the tab 122 of the lid 120 may have surface area sufficientto enable a user 300 to grasp the tab with thumb and index finger.

In some embodiments, the peel-off lid 120 may be comprised of HDPEplastic, PET plastic, metallic foil or other materials that preserve thecontents of the shot-glass 100 and/or allow for printing colors andadvertisements on the lid 120.

In some embodiments the peel-off lid 120 may be affixed to theshot-glass 100 with a sealant 130 that is both resistant to alcohol andyet not so strong that removing the lid 120 would likely cause theshot-glass 100 to spill. According to some embodiments, the lid 120 mayhave sufficient structural integrity such that a user 300 may peel ofthe lid 120 in its entirety without tearing the lid 120 itself in orderto avoid an incomplete removal.

FIG. 10 describes an exemplary process for assembling the shot-glasssystem 90 according to some embodiments. At step 401, a mold is createdfor molding the shot-glass 100. This mold may be made from aluminum orother solid material according to specified requirements. For example,the mold may have a rounded lip for smooth drinking and the company logoand a recyclable symbol may be engraved in the container. The mold mayhave a flared shaft to provide comfort for users that drink from theshot-glasses 100 made from the mold.

At step 402, shot-glasses 100 are formed using vacuum-forming or othersimilar techniques by which a mold is used to form materials. Theshot-glasses 100 may be formed with a curved brim 140 and flared shaft150.

At step 403, an epoxy resin is added to the shot-glass 100.

At step 404, a mold is created for a semi-cylindrical, solid tube ofplastic or foil. A solid piece of plastic is molded into the shape of acylinder with a smaller curved protrusion running along its length (asin FIG. 12). The curved protrusion will later form the tab of the lid.

For example, an aluminum mold specific to the requirements may be used.

A mold for the lid is created so the plastic cutter will be symmetricaland uniform.

Once the mold is complete for the containers, the containers are createdusing vacuum forming. Large numbers can be handled quickly andefficiently. Many printing and advertising techniques are available toget the desired look and colour and this is all handled by the packager.HDPE and PET offer the packager the ability to add a wide array ofcolours and designs. At this time, an epoxy resin would be added.

At step 405, a cutting apparatus is used to slice thin layers (lids 120)from the semi-cylindrical, solid tube of plastic. The plastic cutter isused to slice the required amount of lids from a thin slice of plastic.The lids are also subject to colour and advertising. The lids andcontainers are sent to a factory that meets Food and Drug Administrationstandards (safety, protocol, sanitation) for the packaging of alcohol.

At step 406, advertising and/or coloration is applied to the lids.

At step 407, the shot-glasses 100 are filled with a specified amount ofalcohol 200 using a machine programmed with fill parameters forcontrolling the specified amount. In some embodiments, a fill and sealmachine may measure and dispense the alcohol 200 into the shot-glasses100 according to the specified amount. The specified amount may leavespace from the top of the brim 140. In other embodiments, theshot-glasses 100 may be filled manually via a syringe.

At step 408, adhesive is applied to the shot-glass brim.

At step 409, the lid 120 is placed on the brim 140 and held securelyuntil the lid 120 has bonded to the shot-glass 100, forming thesingle-serve shot-glass system 90. In some embodiments, a fill and sealmachine may apply heat or pressure to bond the lid 120 to the shotglass.

Once at the factory, the containers may be filled with exactly one ounceof the alcohol ordered, typically by a fill and seal machine thatautomatically measures the precise amount of alcohol. This can also bedone manually using syringes that are calibrated to exactly one ouncebut the process is time consuming. In some embodiments, asealant/adhesive is placed on the lid 120 as well as on wide top of thecontainer by a machine or carefully brushed on in a uniform fashionmanually. While the sealant is still wet, the plastic lid is placed ontop of the container. A strong force holds and pushes the lid togetheruntil the sealant has dried. In other embodiments, a fill and sealmachine places the lid 120 that has been previously sprayed with asealant 130 on the shot glass 100. It uses heat to activate the sealantand seal the lid 120 to the shot glass 100.

FIG. 11 describes another exemplary process for assembling theshot-glass system 90 according to some embodiments. At step 1102, a moldis created for molding the shot-glass 100. This mold may be made fromaluminum or other solid material according to specified requirements.For example, the mold may have a rounded lip for smooth drinking and thecompany logo and a recyclable symbol may be engraved in the container.The mold may have a flared shaft to provide comfort for users that drinkfrom the shot-glasses 100 made from the mold.

At step 1104, shot-glasses 100 are formed using vacuum-forming or othersimilar techniques by which a mold is used to form materials. Theshot-glasses 100 may be formed with a curved brim 140 and flared shaft150.

At step 1106, an epoxy resin is added to the shot-glass 100.

At step 1108, a mold is created for a semi-cylindrical, solid tube ofplastic or foil. A solid piece of plastic is molded into the shape of acylinder with a smaller curved protrusion running along its length (asin FIG. 12). The curved protrusion will later form the tab of the lid.

For example, an aluminum mold specific to the requirements may be used.A mold for the lid is created so the plastic cutter will be symmetricaland uniform. Once the mold is complete for the containers, thecontainers are created using vacuum forming. Large numbers can behandled quickly and efficiently. Many printing and advertisingtechniques are available to get the desired look and colour and this isall handled by the packager. HDPE and PET offer the packager the abilityto add a wide array of colours and designs. At this time, an epoxy resinwould be added.

At step 1110, a cutting apparatus is used to slice thin layers (lids120) from the semi-cylindrical, solid tube of plastic. The plasticcutter is used to slice the required amount of lids from a thin slice ofplastic. The lids are also subject to colour and advertising. The lidsand containers are sent to a factory that meets Food and DrugAdministration standards (safety, protocol, sanitation) for thepackaging of alcohol.

At step 1112, a sealant or adhesive is applied to the lid 120. A sealantor adhesive 130 can be placed on the lid 120 and/or the curved brim 140of the shot-glass 100, for example. In some embodiments, a machine mayapply the adhesive 130. In other embodiments, the adhesive may beapplied manually.

At step 1114, advertising and/or coloration is applied to the lids.

At step 1116, the shot-glasses 100 are filled with a specified amount ofalcohol 200. In some embodiments, a fill and seal machine may measureand dispense the alcohol 200 into the shot-glasses 100 according to thespecified amount. The specified amount may leave space from the top ofthe brim 140. In other embodiments, the shot-glasses 100 may be filledmanually via a syringe.

At step 1118, the lid 120 is placed on the brim 140 and held securelyuntil the lid 120 has bonded to the shot-glass 100, forming thesingle-serve shot-glass system 90. In some embodiments, a fill and sealmachine may apply heat or pressure to bond the lid 120 to the shotglass.

Once at the factory, the containers may be filled with exactly one ounceof the alcohol ordered, typically by a fill and seal machine thatautomatically measures the precise amount of alcohol. This can also bedone manually using syringes that are calibrated to exactly one ouncebut the process is time consuming. A sealant/adhesive is placed on thelid 120 as well as on wide top of the container by a machine orcarefully brushed on in a uniform fashion manually. While the sealant isstill wet, the plastic lid is placed on top of the container. A strongforce holds and pushes the lid together until the sealant has dried. Inother embodiments, a fill and seal machine places the lid 120 that hasbeen previously sprayed with a sealant 130 on the shot glass 100. Ituses heat to activate the sealant and seal the lid 120 to the shot glass100.

At step 1102, a mold is created for molding the shot-glass 100 this mayalso involve a mold to be created for the lip attachment. A fill andsealing machine may not be able to be used if the lip is alreadyincluded in the mold for the shot glass 100, for example. Using a shotglass 100 with a lip in a fill and seal machine can cause the plasticshot glass 100 to be destroyed by the improper balance of force in themachine. The lip attachment is formed. The lip attachment is added tothe already filled and sealed shot glass with a peelable lid. This canbe done manually or by a fill and seal machine. The filled and sealedshot glasses with peelable lids can be tested to ensure there are noleakages. Any air bubbles in the seal 130 between the lid 120 and theshot glass 100 would cause a leak. Moreover, if the lid 120 has a smallhole in it, this will cause leaks as well.

At step 1120, the shot glasses with peelable lids are packaged in units(ex: 8, 16, 40) and are then ready to be shipped by an alcoholdistributor to a licensed seller.

FIG. 12 illustrates the solid plastic shape from which lids 120 for thesingle-serve shot-glass system 90 are cut according to some embodiments.

Embodiments described herein facilitate individual-serving alcoholconsumption. In the example embodiment, by simply pulling the lid's tab122, the adhesive/sealant 130 releases and the lid 120 can easily beripped off of the shot-glass 100. Once the lid is removed, the alcohol200 can be consumed. If drinking with a group of people, each person canbring the shot-glass system 90 together to “cheers” each other, rip offthe lids 120 from the shot-glasses 100 and then consume the alcohol shot200. Furthermore, the present embodiment can speed up the serving ofspirits at bars and restaurants because no mixing and pouring would berequired. Embodiments may also improve the safety and quality ofdrinking spirits as consumers can be more confident that they areconsuming exactly, for example, 1.5 ounces of alcohol 200 or as markedon the shot-glass 100.

With respect to storage and transportation, given the smaller packagingand self-contained nature of each shot-glass 100, if an accident were tooccur in transit and a container were to break, only the affectedshot-glasses 100 may be lost rather than the entire shipment. Comparedwith shipping glass containers, shipments of plastic shot-glass systems90 may be less likely to shatter in transit. Additionally, shippingcosts may be lower than the cost of shipping glass bottles of alcoholdue to the lower weight associated with plastic shot-glasses systems 90.Storage costs may also be lower due to the uniform size of theshot-glasses systems 90.

With respect to tamper-resistance, given that the shot-glass system 90is opened immediately prior to consumption there may be reducedopportunity for tampering and/or the addition of unwanted substancesthan in the case of shot-glasses without removable lids. The consumerwill easily be able to see if their drink has been tampered with becausethe shot-glass system does not have any holes. If there are any airholes where the liquid could get out, the drink has been tampered with.Given the predetermined volume in each shot-glass system 90, bartendersand consumers may know the precise alcohol quantities and volumes servedper shot-glass system 90. This may provide improved safety as allparties are provided the information they need to drink responsibly.

Embodiments may provide commercial efficiency, as the shot-glass system90, reduces the time it takes to serve individual patrons of bars. Thisis due to the fact that the alcohol 200 has already been mixed andpoured into the shot-glass 100. With respect to user satisfaction, thecurved brim 140 provides a smooth drinking experience that is comparableto non-disposable cups. With respect to spill-prevention, the curvedbrim 140 enables the shot-glass 100 to be tilted and consumed in amanner that contains the alcohol 200 in the shot-glass 100.

Accordingly, embodiments described herein comprise a single-serve,shot-glass system with three components that all help to create alightweight, attractive, and smooth plastic shot glass. The materialscreate an enhanced drinking experience through the use of a flared shaftand rounded brim at the top of the glass where the lip can be positionedwhen taking the shot. The materials include a container, removable orpeel-able lid and adhesive.

The container holds the alcohol in an upright position. HDPE(High-density polyethylene) plastic may be used because its chemicalcomposition is resistant to alcohol, allowing the container to remainsturdy and not wilt or weaken, even while subjected to extremely high orlow temperatures. The container may provide strength during shipping andmay be stackable so it takes up less space than other shot glasses. Thecontainer structure may be designed so it can be dropped into otherglasses without breaking or breaking the glass into which it is dropped(e.g. jagerbombs, saki bombs). The container may be non-toxic and maynot leach or change the flavour of alcohol.

For added strength, an epoxy coating may be added inside the containeras extra support and may increase the longevity of the product. Thisepoxy system also improves the temperature range of the product byallowing it to remain sturdy and intact at temperatures warmer than −50degrees Celsius. The coating may be non-toxic and may not leach orchange the flavour of alcohol.

The container has a flared shaft and curved brim to enhance the drinkingexperience. The flared shaft and curved brim improve the design ofconventional cups with peel-off lids (fruit cups, k-cups) by replacingthe square, rigid design with a gradual, rounded edge. This helps reducespillage when drinking and provides a more comfortable and effortlessdrinking experience. The container is built specifically for the purposeof drinking alcohol. The flared shaft may integrate smoothly with thecurved brim for user comfort when drinking.

If the liquid were to be poured into the shot-glass (think of a servermixing drinks and pouring this into a rum and coke) then the roundedcurve may drip less and pour out better, decreasing waste of liquid.

The peel-able lid ensures that the alcohol does not spill while alsoproviding a tab that allows the drinker easily to peel it off thecontainer. It may be created using a thin strip of HDPE as well or asimilar plastic such as PET that allows for more creativity for printingcolours and advertising. The plastic lid provides better resistance topoking and sharp objects than a foil top, for example. It too can becoated to increase the longevity of the product. The lid is non-toxicand may not leach or change the flavour of alcohol.

The adhesive, or sealant, holds the alcohol inside the container bysealing the lid to the container. The adhesive ensures the longevity ofthe product while also not being too strong to prevent the lid frombeing able to be peeled off the container. An epoxy system may do thisby offering a stable adhesive and ripping off when opposing force isapplied (e.g. 12 pounds).

Embodiments described herein provide a smooth drinking experienceattributed to the flared shaft and curved brim, which reduces spillageand makes ordering a shot or making a drink much faster and precise.Embodiments described herein may reduce or eliminate issues ofsanitation, contamination, and inaccurate shot volumes (such as under orover-pouring).

The shipping may be cheaper because the weight is less per ounce than aglass bottle and storage may be cheaper because they are a more uniformsize. The alcohol is unexposed until the point of consumption (if takenas a shot directly) and the provision of beverages may be moreeconomical because they can be poured and served faster.

The following provides an example specification for the single-serve,shot-glass system 90. This example specification is for illustrativepurposes and not limiting.

Shot-Glass

Approximate height: 64 mm

Approximate diameter at top (furthest width): 64 mm

Approximate diameter inside top lip: 50 mm

Approximate width of top lip: 1-8 mm (as required for the adhesive to beable to seal the lid on)

Top lip is rounded for easy drinking (see FIG. 4)

Width of material for container: 1-5 mm

Approximate diameter at bottom: 32 mm

Clear matte finish of container—translucent

Recyclable (with please recycle sign at bottom)

Approximate VOLUME of 60 mL

Meets Food and Beverage standards to hold alcohol

Good strength and resilience (HDPE preferred)

Adhesive

Meets food and beverage standards

Can seal alcoholic materials and be opened with ease

As transparent as possible

VOC free

Lid

Comes in a wide variety of colours

Large tab for easy opening

Can seal alcohol (HDPE preferred)

Transparent and translucent options

logo

Embodiments described herein relate to a process for manufacturingsingle-serve shot-glass system.

The process for manufacturing the single-serve shot-glass system caninvolve forming molds for the lid material and shot-glasses, andcreating shot-glasses from the molds and slicing lids from the lidmaterials. Alcohol can be dispensed into the shot-glasses and theshot-glasses can be sealed with a peel-off lid and an adhesive. Theprocess can involve forming a mold for the lip attachment and creatingthe lip attachment. The process can involve applying the lip attachmentto the shot glass. The lip attachment is added to the already filled andsealed shot glass with a peel-off lid.

The lip attachment can be in the shape of a ring that can slide onto theshot-glass to create the lip. Embodiments described herein relate to aprocess that involves adding the ring after the filling and sealing ofthe shot-glasses has been completed. A rounded lip attachment might notbe added in the filling and sealing section because the force needed toseal the cup might cause the curved edge to wither or break. The flatlip of the cup ensures that the force transfers evenly across thesurface and creates a strong seal. The process involves creating we usetwo pieces or components (shot-glass and lip attachment) to make arounded lip while also attaining a hermetic seal.

The lip-attachment can attach or apply to the cup to create the flaredshaft 150. As shown in FIG. 1, the flared shaft curves outward frombottom to top such that the opening at the brim 140 may have a greatercircumference than the circumference of the base 160 of the shot-glass100. The lip attachment can integrate with the cup to provide a smoothcurvature of the flared shaft. That is, the lip attachment can define asmooth curvature or have an edge with a smooth curvature. The lipattachment can be in the shape of a ring proportional to thecircumference of the cup to slide on and clink or attach in place. Thelip attachment can have an anti-slip mechanism or device to hold thering in place on the cup.

FIG. 13 depicts an example machine layout according to embodimentsdescribed herein. The machine can have a main power source to supply,e.g., 220V, 3 phase, 60 Hz, 5 kw.

The machine layout includes a filing and sealing machine (1302, 1304,1306, 1308, 1310) that can have three phases. The machine layoutincludes an auto-sleeving machine that can have 3 phases. The machinelayout includes printer phase. The machine can use standard 220V, 20A(or 30A) twist lock plugs, for example. The machine can use compressedair (0.6 Mpa-Mpa, 85-115 psi) or standard compressed air pressure, suchas 100-110 psi. The flow rate can be at least 5 L/min for stableoperating conditions. The rotation may be set to run forward as goingbackwards can cause damage to mold frame, for example.

For operation, at 1302, the shot-glass cups or containers are droppedinto holes on the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt brings the shot-glasscups or containers to the first station, the filling station at 1304.The shot-glass cups or containers can be filled (e.g. 1 oz or 1.5 oz) byusing an advanced volumetric scale and compressed air to fill the cups.

The conveyor belt brings the filled cups to the lidding station at 1306where compressed air mechanics place the lid over the cup. The conveyorbelt brings the filled cups with lid to the first sealing station at1308 where the aluminum lids are sealed at temperatures over 200 degreesCelsius. The conveyor belt brings the now sealed cup to the secondsealing station at 1310 for added security. This second sealing helpsensure that the shot containers are hermetically sealed

The conveyor belt brings the double sealed cups to a second conveyorbelt where they are dropped upside down and transported to the printingstation 1314. The date is laser printed on the bottom for inventory andaccountability purposes.

The upside down cups are filtered into a rotating device at 1316 thatplaces rings over each of them. There can be a vibration plate at 1312to arrange the rings. That is, the cups are brought by the conveyor beltto a gear system at 1316 that rotates them one at a time. A conveyorbelt brings the rings from a vibration plate 1312 one by one. Thevibration plate 1312 organizes the sleeves and ensures they are facingright side up. The conveyor belt for the rings loads then into a secondgear system that is raised slightly above the system turning the cups.When the gears meet, a ring/sleeve is gravity dropped onto the sealedcup. The gears are designed exactly to the shapes of the rings and cupsrespectively to ensure a smooth transition. The cups with the looserings are sent through a compressed air system along a conveyor beltthat pushes the rings to a presser (what we call a ring press) andensures the rings stay on the cup. The ring press pushes onto the ringswith approximately from 80-120 kg of downward force (see picture) sothat they are pushed all the way down to the lip of the cup. Thiscreates a nice rounded lip that before was impossible to achieve.

The rounded lip is not added in the filling and sealing section becausethe force needed to seal the cup can cause the curved edge to wither orbreak. The flat lip of the cup ensures that the force transfers evenlyacross the surface and creates a strong seal.

Embodiments described herein provide a custom mould that creates cupsthat have a flat, thick ledge for optimum sealing. Embodiments describedherein use a sealant mixture that is laminated to our aluminum foillids. The lids can be die-cut exactly to the shape of the cups.

Embodiments described herein provide a custom mould for a ring (that canbe referred to as a sleeve) that when pushed with 80-120 kg (as anexample) of downward force, they click or attach onto the cup. The cuphas a flat lip for sealing. This ring/sleeve clicks onto the cup andfills in the flat lip area. This ring/sleeve creates a rounded lip thatfacilitates pouring and drinking as well as improves the aesthetic ofthe cup.

As an example operation of the machine layout in FIG. 13, the cups canbe automatically dropped into the machine four at a time. In someembodiments, the machine has 80 rows of four that are moved along thesurface of the machine by a chain motor.

The cups are brought along the machine until they reach the fillingsection at 1304. They are filled with alcohol (e.g. 1.5 oz or onedrink). Once the cups are filled, they are brought by the motor to thelidding station at 1306 where an air vacuum lever pulls one lid andplaces it on the filled cup.

The motor brings the cups to the first sealing station at 1308. Becausethe lip of the cup is flat, a heat sealer is able to press downforcefully on it (e.g. at about 200 degrees Celsius) to seal the lid tothe cup. If the rounded lip was used at this point, it would not have aflat surface and there would not be enough perpendicular force to sealthe lid to the cup. This is why the sleeve/ring is added after sealing.The motor brings the cups to the second sealing station at 1310 where itpresses down forcefully to ensure no leaks or air bubbles.

The motor drops the cups onto a conveyor belt upside down so that aprinter at 1314 can laser print the lot number and expiration date onthe bottom of the cups.

As noted, the cups are brought by the conveyor belt to a gear system at1316 that rotates them one at a time. An opposing gear system, that israised slightly above the other brings the rings/sleeves from avibration plate 1312 that organizes the sleeves and ensures they arefacing right side up. When the gears meet, a ring/sleeve is gravitydropped onto the sealed cup.

The sealed cup with loose sleeve is released from the gear system andonto the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt brings the sleeve and sealedcup to what we call the ring press. The ring press is a powerful machinethat pushes down on the sleeve/ring with 80-120 kg of downward force,for example. This pushes the sleeve onto the cup and it clicks intoplace.

The sleeve is designed with an anti-slip mechanism that prevents it fromfalling off the cup. It is an extra layer of plastic that pushes intothe cup and holds it in place. The cup is taken from the ring press bythe conveyor belt to a packaging station.

Embodiments described herein use a custom cup and ring/sleeve. Thering/sleeve is added after the sealing process. This creates a beautifulplastic shot glass with a rounded lip without compromising the qualityof the seal.

Embodiments described herein provide a cup with a ring or sleeve havingan anti-slip mechanism that holds the ring or sleeve in place for thecup.

FIG. 14 shows an example illustration of a cup with the ring or sleevehaving an example anti-slip mechanism. The illustration compares the cupwith a ring or sleeve having the anti-slip mechanism to a cup with aring or sleeve without the anti-slip mechanism. The anti-slip mechanismis a device that pushes into the cup and holds the sleeve or ring inplace. The anti-slip mechanism can be a part of the sleeve by using aspecial mold to achieve this feature. When the sleeve is pushed onto thecup the anti-slip mechanism pushes into the cup to keep the sleeve inplace. This prevents any downward motions or jostling from dislodgingthe sleeve, as was seen when the ring did not have an anti-slipmechanism.

The invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, onthe contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalentarrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. Thescope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation to encompass allsuch modifications and equivalent structures.

FIG. 15 is an example illustration of a sealed cup and sleeve.

FIG. 16 is an example illustration of a sealed cup with the attachedsleeve.

FIG. 17 is an example illustration of a sealed cup and sleeve resting onthe base of the cup but not yet attached.

FIG. 18 is an example illustration of a sealed cup with the attachedsleeve.

As noted, in some embodiments a vibration plate at 1312 can arrange therings. The vibration plate 1312 organizes the sleeves and ensures theyare facing right side up.

FIG. 21 is an example illustration of a vibration plate. The vibrationplace can use compressed air and vibrations to ensure rings are sittingupwards when fed into conveyor belt. A conveyor belt brings the ringsfrom a vibration plate 1312 one by one.

FIG. 22 is an example illustration of a ring conveyor belt. The ringconveyor belt that brings rings from vibration plate to ring gear to bedropped onto cups. The cups are brought by the conveyor belt to a gearsystem at 1316 that rotates them one at a time.

The conveyor belt for the rings loads then into a second gear systemthat is raised slightly above the system turning the cups. When thegears meet, a ring/sleeve is gravity dropped onto the sealed cup. Thegears are designed exactly to the shapes of the rings and cupsrespectively to ensure a smooth transition. FIG. 20 is an exampleillustration of gears. This shows ring gear slightly above cup gearsystem so that rings are gravity fed onto cups

As noted, upside down cups are filtered into a rotating device at 1316that places rings over each of them. FIG. 19 is an example illustrationof a ring press. A conveyor belt brings cups with loose sleeves on themto the ring press. Ring press pushes rings onto cups with 80-120 kg ofdownward force. That is, the cups with the loose rings are sent througha compressed air system along a conveyor belt that pushes the rings to apresser (a ring press) and ensures the rings stay on the cup. The ringpress pushes onto the rings with approximately from 80-120 kg ofdownward force so that they are pushed all the way down to the lip ofthe cup. This creates a nice rounded lip that before was impossible toachieve.

Other Applications

The following section describes potential applications that may bepracticed in regards to some embodiments. There may be other, different,modifications, etc. of the below potential applications, and it shouldbe understood that the description is provided as non-limiting,illustrative examples only. For example, there may be additions,omissions, modifications, and other applications may be considered.

The single-serve shot-glass system 90 may find useful applications inlarge event venues (e.g. sporting arenas, concerts, rallies, etc.). Thepeel-off lid 120 and/or the shot-glass 100 may serve as advertisingplatforms upon which companies may place advertisements.

The single-serve shot-glass system 90 may have applications in the fieldof medicine or hygiene. For example, the single-serve shot-glass systemmay be used to dispense fluoride rinses in a manner that is easy toconsume for users by reason of the curved brim 140 and the peel-off lid120 that prevent spilling. As another example, doses of medicationeither in liquid or pill form may be stored in the single-serveshot-glass system 90 in order to preserve the medication, protecting itfrom outside air and preventing accidental spilling. As another example,the single-serve shot-glass system 90 may contain other liquids such asmouth-wash or contact-lens solution (e.g. for traveling users).

In other embodiments, the shot-glass 100 may be made of a flexibleplastic that enables “squeezing” out a more viscous substance from theshot glass 100.

Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should beunderstood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade herein.

Embodiments relate to a system and process for creation of asingle-serve shot-glass with a flared shaft, curved brim and peel-offlid. A lip attachment can be applied to the sealed shot-glass to definethe flare shaft. The shot glass has a flat top edge to facilitatesealing of the lid. Embodiments can use a vibration plate, gears and/orconveyer belts to create the sealed shot-glasses with flared shafts. Thelip or ring can create the flared shaft when integrated with the glass.

Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to belimited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine,manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps describedin the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readilyappreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing orlater to be developed, that perform substantially the same function orachieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims areintended to include within their scope such processes, machines,manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated areintended to be exemplary only.

What is claimed is:
 1. Any and all features of novelty described,suggested, referred to, exemplified, or shown herein, including but notlimited to processes, systems, and devices.
 1. A process formanufacturing the single-serve shot-glass system comprising: creatingshot-glasses from molds; slicing lids from the lid materials; dispensingalcohol into the shot-glasses; sealing the shot-glasses with a peel-offlid and an adhesive; creating a ring-shaped lip attachment; and applyingthe lip attachment to the sealed shot glass.
 2. The process of claim 1,wherein the lip attachment creates a flared shaft that curves outwardfrom bottom to top such that the opening at a brim of the shot glass mayhave a greater circumference than the circumference of a base of the lipattachment, the brim having a flat top edge to facilitate adhesion ofthe peel-off lid.
 3. The process of claim 1 wherein the lip attachmenthas a smooth curvature that curves outward from bottom to top tofacilitate drinking.
 4. The process of claim 1 wherein the lipattachment has a smooth curvature that integrates with the brim togenerate a rounded brim, the rounded brim having a flat top portion. 5.The process of claim 1 wherein the alcohol is dispensed to a fill linein the glass, the fill line being below the applied lip attachment. 6.The process of claim 1 wherein lip attachment has a flared shaft,wherein the flat top edge extends away from an outer edge of the flaredshaft.
 7. A single-serve, shot-glass system comprising: a shot-glasscontaining alcoholic beverage, the shot-glass having a peel-off lid toseal the shot-glass and preserve the alcoholic beverage; an alcoholicbeverage; and a ring-shaped lip attachment for attachment to the alreadyfilled and sealed shot glass with a peel-off lid having a flared shaftintegrated with a curved brim, the brim having a flat top edge tofacilitate adhesion of the peel-off lid, the lip attachment having asmooth curvature to facilitate drinking.
 8. The shot-glass system ofclaim 7, wherein the flared shaft curves outward from bottom to top suchthat the opening at the brim may have a greater circumference than thecircumference of the base of the lip attachment.
 9. The system of claim7, wherein the lip attachment has a smooth curvature that integrateswith the curved brim.
 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the alcohol iscontained to a fill line in the glass, the fill line being below the lipattachment.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the flat top edge extendsaway from an outer edge of the flared shaft.
 12. The system of claim 7,wherein the flat top edge facilitates adhesion of a peel-off lid for thecontainer.
 13. A shot-glass system comprising a container with aring-shaped lip attachment having a flared shaft and peel-able lid, theflared shaft having a curvature to facilitate drinking, wherein theflared shaft curves outward from bottom to top such that the opening atthe brim may have a greater circumference than the circumference of thebase of the lip attachment, the brim having a flat top edge.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13 wherein the lip attachment has a smooth curvaturethat integrates with the brim to define a curved brim.
 15. The system ofclaim 13 wherein alcohol is contained to a fill line in the glass, thefill line being below the lip attachment.
 16. The system of claim 13wherein the flat top edge extends away from an outer edge of the flaredshaft.
 17. The system of claim 13 wherein the lip attachment defines acurved brim that integrates with the brim, the curved brim having aheight greater than the brim.
 18. The system of claim 13 wherein the lipattachment defines a curved brim between the flared shaft and the brim,the curved brim having a smooth curvature.
 19. The system of claim 13wherein the lip attachment defines a curved brim between the flaredshaft and the brim, the curved brim and the flared shaft defining an sshaped smooth curvature.
 20. The system of claim 13, wherein the flattop edge facilitates adhesion of a peel-off lid for the container.